Tamarind Juice - cooking recipe

Ingredients

2 cups tamarind pulp
2 quarts boiling water
2 tablespoons sugar (to taste)
honey (optional)
2 tablespoons lime juice (to taste) (optional)

Preparation

In a teakettle bring water to a boil.
Place the tamarind pulp in a heatproof mixing bowl or baking dish.
Add lime juice if using it.
Pour boiling water over the tamarind.
Stir in sugar and/or honey.
Cover and allow to stand several hours or overnight.
Strain the tamarind water through a strainer or clean cloth.
Dilute with more water and add more sugar or honey to taste.
Refrigerate and serve over ice.
As variations, a few spoonfuls of cinnamon, vanilla, or grated ginger may be combined with the tamarind pulp before the water is added.